In a landmark moment for global justice, Moroccan judge Mina Skrati has been elected president of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), marking the first time a woman from the Arab world has held this prestigious position. Her appointment was confirmed on Saturday, April 12, during the association’s 17th biennial conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
This year’s gathering focused on the theme “Resilience: Women’s Leadership to End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” reflecting the organization’s commitment to promoting equity in judicial systems worldwide. With over 6,000 members across the globe, the IAWJ serves as a critical network for female judges advocating for fairness, human rights, and gender justice.
Mina Skrati, who currently serves on the Administrative Court in Casablanca, is also the president of the Moroccan Union of Women Judges. She represents a new wave of legal professionals dedicated to creating more inclusive and responsive systems of justice. Her election signals a powerful shift—not only in representation but also in the vision and priorities of international judicial leadership.
Another key Moroccan figure, Salima Al-Ruhi, was also reappointed as the IAWJ’s regional director for Europe and the Middle East. She holds a dual role as the secretary general of the Moroccan Union, further solidifying the country’s influence within the organization.
Together, these appointments highlight a growing recognition of Morocco’s legal model, particularly its strides in promoting gender equality and judicial independence. The increased visibility of Moroccan women within the IAWJ’s leadership suggests that the country’s efforts to reform and modernize its judiciary are gaining international traction.
